Council to buy up private new- builds
‘ Innovative’ move for 12 flats to cost £ 1.1m
New private flats in Girvan are to be turned into council lets.
South Ayrshire Council are set to splash out £ 1.1million on buying the 12 new- builds.
Developer Craig Hunter approached council officials offering them the properties.
They are located at North Park Avenue in the town and consist of eight two- bedroom flats and four one- bedroom.
The purchase plans were revealed at the South Ayrshire Council leadership panel meeting last Wednesday.
Labour Councillor Philip Saxton, portfolio holder for housing, said: “We have done a survey showing the buildings are secure. “The good thing about buying property like this is we don’t have to go through planning. They are good to go. They only need security doors.”
Six flats on the ground floor of the block are accessible for those needing level access.
Councillor Saxton asked for the council to roll out a sensitive policy on who is allowed to live there.
The properties, which will be rented out by the council, will contribute to the council’s target of providing 1000 new affordable homes by 2023.
Speaking at the Leadership Panel, Girvan SNP councillor Peter Henderson described the move as “innovative”.
He said: “I can’t recall this being done before. It shows initiative and good practice especially as we are saving money.”
The developer offered the council a 7.5 per cent discount for buying them all. Talks have taken place to discuss the deal.
Chartered surveyors Shepherd carried out the valuation of the flats.
Installing a door entry system has been priced at £ 12,000.